As the sun was just beginning to rise over Drakthorin City, twelve new students gathered in the Academy's courtyard. They all wore robes of bright colors, each one showing their magical ability. The courtyard was filled with quiet conversations and excited voices, and the air felt fresh with the excitement of the day ahead. The Academy’s tall towers stood above them, casting long shadows over the stone paths where the students nervously held their robes, both anxious and excited for what was to come.

  Finn adjusted the collar of his robe, the electric blue fabric fitting snugly around him. The robe shimmered, almost as if it were made of water, rippling gently in the cool morning breeze. It was both light and strong, designed for comfort and practicality, with intricate silver stitching along the edges, showing the power and discipline of the Academy. Next to him, Enzo wore a robe of deep emerald green. The fabric was soft yet radiant, with delicate green vines embroidered on it that seemed to shift as he moved. It was a graceful design, matching his calm and thoughtful personality.

  As the students continued to gather, a sudden gust of wind swept through the courtyard, fluttering the edges of their robes. The teachers, standing off to the side in their dark, flowing black robes lined with gold, observed the proceedings with quiet intensity. Their robes were more elaborate, decorated with embroidered symbols of water and beasts, their hoods drawn back to reveal faces that were both stern and wise. The Headmaster, a tall, silver-haired figure with piercing eyes, stood near the front of the group, his presence commanding and unwavering. His robe was the most ornate, with runes woven into the fabric that glowed faintly with magical energy.

  "Gather close," the Headmaster’s voice echoed across the courtyard, his tone rich with authority. "This is the beginning of your journey here at the Arcane Academy. Today, you will discover the magic that lies within you, and from that, your path will be decided." His eyes swept over the students, pausing on Finn and Enzo for a brief moment. "Your affinity with the waters, and the beasts that dwell within, will define your future."

  The students quickly formed a straight line, each one trying to hide the nervousness building inside them. Some tugged at their robes, while others focused on the ground, trying to stay calm. Finn, however, couldn’t stop himself from looking around at the towering walls of the Academy, the huge gates behind them, and the mist rising from the far-off mountains. He had always dreamed of being here, but now that the day had finally come, he felt the weight of everyone’s expectations pressing down on him.

  Enzo, standing next to Finn, seemed much calmer, though his eyes sparkled with curiosity. He glanced around, studying the other students. Each person and their robe were unique, but they were all united by the same goal.

  "Today, you will enter the Cleansing Pool," the Headmaster said, pointing to the shimmering, circular water basin in the middle of the courtyard. "It is through this water that your true affinity will be revealed. Your magic, your creature, and your path will rise from its depths."

  The students exchanged looks, some nodding as they understood, while others seemed unsure. The Cleansing Pool was the center of this test—an ancient magical artifact used for generations to reveal the true nature of a student’s water magic. Its waters were believed to show not only the color of a student’s magic but also their potential, unlocking the creature they would control and the abilities they would master.

  The teachers stood in a semicircle around the pool, their robes gently swaying in the morning breeze, watching with close attention. The Cleansing Pool glowed softly in the early light, its surface still and clear, reflecting the faces of the students.

  “Step forward, and may your magic be revealed,” the Headmaster said.

  One by one, the students were called. The first student, a tall girl with striking Crimson Red robes, stepped forward. She inhaled deeply before entering the pool, her foot barely making a ripple as she walked. The water stirred, and as the swirling waters encircled her, a massive Pyroscorch Leviathan__a serpentine sea creature with scales that radiate heat. Its body glows like molten lava, and it can summon explosive bursts of steam and fiery waves that burn everything in their path. The beast let out a thunderous roar that echoed through the courtyard. She was assigned to the Crimson Red group, a fierce and volatile magic group, and was congratulated by the teachers.

  In the world of Kaelith, water magic is divided into 12 different colors. Each color represents a unique set of abilities and characteristics that shape a person’s magical potential. These colors not only decide what type of magic a student can control, but also determine which creature or beast they can bond with. Each color is connected to a specific group, and it shows how skilled a person will become with both elemental magic and the creatures they can command.

  Crystal Blue – The water of clarity and foresight. Wielders of this magic can glimpse into the future for brief moments. The creature tied to this magic is the Foresworn Mirage, an ethereal, jellyfish-like being with translucent, shimmering tentacles that refract light and reveal distant possibilities. It floats serenely through water and air, its movements calm but unpredictable, shifting the paths of time with every pulse of its glow.

  Sapphire Blue – Known as the water of the oceans, Sapphire Blue magic allows users to control vast amounts of water, summoning storms and massive tides. The creature linked to this magic is the Tidal Colossus, an immense, armored sea turtle with a shell resembling the ocean floor, encrusted with coral and barnacles. Its massive flippers stir the seas, creating great waves as it navigates the depths with slow, purposeful movements.

  Emerald Green – The magic of growth and healing. Users of Emerald Green magic can promote plant growth and restore life. The creature associated with this magic is the Verdant Sylphox, a deer-like, moss-covered creature with antlers that bloom into lush flowers. As it moves, vines and flowers sprout in its wake, and when it stretches its wings, glowing petals are revealed. It moves through forests with grace, its very presence bringing life to the surrounding environment, causing plants to thrive and animals to flourish.

  Aqua Turquoise – Symbolizing balance and harmony, Aqua Turquoise allows users to control both water and air. The creature associated with this magic is the Aeralis Seraph, a majestic bird-dragon hybrid with wings that shimmer in shades of blue and green. Its body can shift between air and water seamlessly, allowing it to soar through skies or dive into the depths of the ocean.

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  Crimson Red – The water of passion and destruction. Wielders of this color control violent tidal waves and fiery water. The creature connected to this magic is the Pyroscorch Leviathan, a massive, serpentine sea creature with scales that radiate heat. Its body glows like molten lava, and it can summon explosive bursts of steam and fiery waves that burn everything in their path.

  Obsidian Black – The water of shadows and illusion. Masters of this magic create illusions and summon shadowy forms. The creature tied to this magic is the Noctis Umberfiend, a shadowy, smoke-like beast that drifts through both water and darkness. It has the ability to distort reality, becoming invisible or casting illusory duplicates to confuse enemies and protect its master.

  Golden Amber – The water of light and purification. This color can cleanse and purify both water and people. The creature linked to this magic is the Solstrom Elk, a radiant, glowing creature whose fur sparkles like gold under the sunlight. Its antlers emit a gentle, healing light that purifies any darkness it touches, and its movements bring serenity and peace wherever it roams.

  Violet Lavender – The magic of dreams and creativity. Those who wield Violet Lavender can manipulate perceptions and induce visions. The creature associated with this magic is the Dreamshard Banshee, a pale, winged apparition that drifts in and out of sleep and waking worlds. It can shape dreams into reality, causing vivid visions or creating illusions that captivate and manipulate the minds of others.

  Onyx Grey – The water of strength and stability. Users of Onyx Grey can summon dense, powerful water that withstands great force. The creature connected to this magic is the Gritstone Behemoth, a massive, rhinoceros-like creature with a hide made of solid, stone-like water. It moves with great force and can create shockwaves by stomping the ground, its very presence a symbol of unshakable stability.

  Pearl White – The water of purity and wisdom. Wielders of Pearl White magic have a clear mind and the ability to control the purest water. The creature tied to this magic is the Lunar Mantid, a serene, pale insectoid creature with transparent wings that glow softly under the moonlight. Its calm presence brings clarity of thought, and it can purify any water it touches, restoring it to its purest form.

  Tangerine Orange – The water of vitality and warmth. Those who wield Tangerine Orange magic control water in liquid, steam, and vapor forms. The creature linked to this magic is the Emberflare Lynx, a sleek, feline beast with fur that flickers like embers. It thrives in hot, humid environments and can generate steam blasts from its mouth, making it both a fearsome predator and a source of warmth.

  Midnight Indigo – The water of time and transformation. Midnight Indigo magic allows users to manipulate the flow of time and freeze moments. The creature associated with this magic is the Chronorift Abyssal, a giant, eel-like creature with scales that shimmer like dark night sky. Its body can shift in time, allowing it to move in and out of moments, distorting the flow of time around it.

  Finn's heart raced as he watched the others go before him. His breath quickened as his turn finally drew near. When the last student stepped back, the Headmaster’s gaze fixed on Finn.

  “Finn, come forward,” the Headmaster’s voice rang out.

  Finn’s stomach tightened with nerves, but he forced himself to step forward to the edge of the pool, feeling every eye in the courtyard on him. The breeze had picked up, making his robe flutter around him as if it had a life of its own. With a deep breath, he stepped into the pool, the cold water shocking his body and sending a surge of energy through him. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his racing mind, and focused, letting his magic flow freely.

  The water beneath Finn began to ripple and churn, glowing with a fiery blue light. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed through the air, and Finn’s eyes snapped open just in time to see the water burst upward, revealing the majestic Pyroscorch Leviathan__a serpentine sea creature. It was even larger than he'd imagined, its body shifting from deep crimson to brilliant blue, flames flickering from its wings and steam rising from its nostrils.

  The Leviathan's glowing eyes locked onto Finn’s, and he felt a surge of energy, as if the creature was testing him, evaluating his strength. In that instant, a deep connection formed between them—a bond made of both fire and water. The creature hovered above the pool, its powerful wings casting enormous shadows over the courtyard.

  The crowd watched in stunned silence as the Headmaster’s voice rang out with approval. “You have been chosen by the Crimson Red,” he declared. “You will train to control fire, strength, and destruction,” the Headmaster continued, his voice steady and commanding.

  Finn’s heart raced in his chest as the Leviathan landed gracefully beside him, its gaze never leaving him. He took a step back, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle on him, but also a surge of excitement. This was his magic, his creature—he could feel it in his very bones.

  Next, it was Enzo’s turn. With his usual calm demeanor, he stepped forward. The waters of the pool rippled as he entered, and the air grew still. The colors of the water swirled into a vibrant Emerald Green, and from the depths emerged a Verdant Sylphox—a deer-like, moss-covered beast with antlers that bloomed into lush flowers. Vines and flowers sprouted in its wake as it stretched its wings, revealing glowing petals. It moved through forests with grace, its very presence bringing life to the surrounding environment, causing plants to thrive and animals to flourish.

  The creature landed softly beside Enzo, its gentle eyes meeting his with a silent understanding. A sense of peace filled the air as the crowd watched, sensing the deep bond between the two. The Headmaster spoke with approval, “Enzo, you are assigned to the Emerald Green group. You will train with those who control the forces of growth, healing, and harmony—the waters that restore life.”

  The other students were quickly assigned to their respective groups, each pool revealing a different color and unique bond to the water—from the fiery Crimson Red to the calming Aqua Turquoise, and even the mysterious Midnight Indigo. With each assignment, the air buzzed with anticipation and awe as every student discovered their destiny.

  As the last student was assigned, the Headmaster raised his hand, signaling for silence. “Welcome to the Arcane Academy,” he said, his voice steady and commanding. “The path you walk will be long and challenging, but it will shape you into the masters of your craft. Let today be the beginning of your journey.”

  Finn and Enzo shared a look, both feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. They had come to Drakthorin with dreams of greatness, and now, their paths were set—each of them bound to a future that was just beginning. Though Finn and Enzo had always been close friends, their paths were now clearly divided. Finn’s journey would be one of mastering the destructive power of his fiery water and the fierce Pyroscorch Leviathan. He would need to learn control over the volatile forces of fire and strength. On the other hand, Enzo’s path would be one of peace and healing. He would refine his abilities in growth and restoration, learning to communicate with the creatures of nature and nurture the world around him.